On 13 October 1923, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey officially declared Ankara the capital of the Republic of Turkey, replacing Constantinople (now Istanbul) — a decision that symbolised a dramatic shift in the nation’s political and cultural direction.
From Constantinople to Ankara: A turning point in Turkish history
For more than 1,500 years, Constantinople had been one of the world’s greatest cities — first as the capital of the Byzantine Empire, and later as the seat of the Ottoman Sultans. Founded by the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great in 330 AD, it was long considered the “Queen of Cities”, strategically straddling Europe and Asia, and serving as a centre of empire, commerce, and religion.
After the Ottoman conquest in 1453, Constantinople (renamed Istanbul) remained the empire’s vibrant capital. Palaces, mosques, and markets flourished, reflecting the grandeur of a global power. However, by the early 20th century, after centuries of imperial decline and the devastation of the First World War, the city had become a symbol of the old order — the Ottoman monarchy, foreign occupation, and imperial bureaucracy.
Why Ankara?
When Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and the Turkish National Movement launched their War of Independence (1919–1923) against occupying Allied forces, Ankara became their base of operations.
Centrally located in Anatolia, far from the coastal regions under foreign control, Ankara offered both strategic safety and symbolic renewal.
By the war’s end, as the Ottoman Empire collapsed and the new republic began to take shape, Atatürk saw Ankara as a blank slate — a modest Anatolian town ready to embody the modern, secular, and nationalist ideals of the new Turkey.
Declaring Ankara the capital on 13 October 1923, just two weeks before the proclamation of the Republic (29 October 1923), marked a clear break from the Ottoman past and a commitment to building a forward-looking, unified nation centred in the heartland rather than the imperial periphery.
Building a modern capital
In the years that followed, Ankara was rapidly transformed from a small provincial town into a planned modern city. Architects from across Europe helped design broad boulevards, government buildings, and residential quarters, shaping a capital that reflected Atatürk’s vision of progress and rationality.
The move also represented a political and cultural rebalancing — a shift from cosmopolitan, imperial Istanbul towards the Anatolian interior, seen as the heart of Turkish identity and resilience.
Istanbul today
Although Ankara remains Turkey’s political and administrative capital, Istanbul continues to be the country’s economic, cultural, and historical hub. With over 16 million inhabitants, it is one of the world’s most dynamic cities — a crossroads of continents where ancient architecture coexists with modern skyscrapers.
The city’s strategic importance endures, and its historical landmarks — such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar — continue to attract millions of visitors each year.
A century later
In 2023, Turkey marked 100 years since Ankara became its capital, celebrating it as a symbol of national independence, modernity, and unity. Despite periodic debates about whether Istanbul’s global prominence overshadows the administrative capital, Ankara remains a testament to Atatürk’s vision.
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